Canon and new discoveries of manuscripts

[ratio1]

I know the Catholic Canon is closed, but when new ancient manuscripts are discovered, then they can be used to help us do better translations, right? (obviously they can’t contradict what we already know).
eg the Hebrew text of Tobit was discovered at the Dead Sea Scrolls?

 

[Quaestor]

I know the Catholic Canon is closed, but when new ancient manuscripts are discovered, then they can be used to help us do better translations, right? (obviously they can’t contradict what we already know).
eg the Hebrew text of Tobit was discovered at the Dead Sea Scrolls?

Absolutely! Newer manuscripts are being found all the time. We know of gnostic manuscripts and these have no value except historic and confirming what ecclesiastical historians have written. However, there are other manuscripts which certainly have value and have explanatory value. As for the DSS it confirmed that the LXX which was the go to for the Orthodox was almost a word for word Greek translation of the first generation Hebrew Writings. The Western Church has used gen. 2 translation by Symmachus ben Joseph which is considered a more literal translation than the LXX but using the canon during the time of Christ. The DSS (which is gen 2) was used for the Nova Vulgata which is the semi official bible of the Catholic Church at present.

Prior to the DSS many protestants considered Torbit not a part of the canon and does not appear in gen 4 Jewish texts (MT). However, Tobit was found in the DSS confirming that Catholics were right all along.

 

[De_Maria]

I know the Catholic Canon is closed,

If you read the Council of Trent, I think it’s the fourth session, the statement reads that all the books of the Latin Vulgate are inspired. Anyone who says otherwise, is anathema.

The Council of Trent does not opine on any other Scriptures. For example, the Orthodox have about 88 books. So, if the Catholic Church is considering reunification with the Orthodox, I don’t think it saying that their Bible is not inspired would be a good, first step.

So, in my opinion, the Catholic canon is still open.

 

[hadulzo]

Yes i would agree. In a reunification with the Orthodox we could add some books in the mix.

 

[po18guy]

That has nothing to do with canon, but rather a variation of content within the known canon. Also, bear in mind that we are not in a religion of writing, so that we must excavate the earth to know what to believe in. Sacred Tradition and Divine Authority is how Christ founded the Church, and were and are its anchor. The scriptures bear witness to the anchor, are part of the anchor, but are not the entire anchor.

We would have a Church if the bible had never been written - the Didache bears witness to this. Our Lord knows that constant discoveries, translations and re-translations would have the faithful in a state of wonderment. Witness: the reformation world is in a constant tizzy over new translations and meanings. Christ did not leave us orphans.